Being Indian-American in Virginia today is worlds apart from what it was like 30 plus years ago for the community. Growing up in Northern New Jersey in the 90s, I recall long drives to Jackson Heights, NY, just to buy Indian groceries or visit temples like the famous Flushing Ganesha temple.
In my small, not-so-diverse town, I was often the only Indian in my class. Once, a high school classmate asked if my father worked for 7-Eleven, and my naive teenage self, so blissfully unaware of cultural context, was left wondering how he knew my dad worked as an aeronautical engineer—completely missing the stereotype behind the question! I didn’t realize for months that he wasn’t referring to an aircraft model!
I’ve clearly done a lot of growing since then, but so has the environment around me. The visibility, opportunities, and acceptance of the Indian diaspora have grown significantly. We moved to Northern Virginia about a dozen years ago, and for the past six years, we’ve made Loudoun County, our home. Being Indian here – today – feels like stepping into a miniature version of India. The vibrant community, cultural events, and authentic cuisine reflect the rich traditions of home, while offering the comforts of modern suburban American life. Schools even have Diwali off as a state holiday, along with Eid, Christmas, and Rosh Hoshana.
From colorful Diwali celebrations brightening neighborhoods, to grocery stores stocked with familiar spices, ingredients, and products, Loudoun County has become a thriving hub of Indian culture. Our culture is so interwoven into the local fabric that Diwali has become a standing celebration at the White House, and more recently also hosted at VP Kamala Harris’s house.
Temples, cultural organizations, and community events help strengthen ties to our heritage, making it easier to maintain cultural roots while fully embracing life in the U.S. We have more than half a dozen temples, mosques and gurdwaras that are easily accessible and dozens of restaurants with regional food diversity. This year I even saw pop-up fresh coconut water stands on street corners over the summer. It’s not uncommon to see desi uncles and aunties, in neighborhood parks, chai-in-hand catching up on local happenings, especially during the warmer months.
Some of our local gas stations restaurants have authentic chaats, kababs, samosas and momos! Interestingly, our five Indian-American Congressional members, have formed the “Samosa Caucus,” a phrase coined by Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi from Illinois! Virginia State Senator, Suhas Subramanyam, who represents Loudoun County, may very well become the newest member of this Caucus should he win the upcoming elections.
Representation is visible across professions—whether it’s police officers, teachers, or even Vice President Harris, our children see people like them in positions of leadership. This fosters a sense of belonging and possibility that wasn’t as apparent in the past. From Bollywood movie screenings to cricket matches and bustling local markets, the South Asian community in Loudoun has created a shared identity that feels both deeply connected to our heritage and fully integrated into American life.
Even online, communities like the Facebook group “Ashburn Desis,” bring locals together—35,000 strong—to share everything from homemade pickles to curry leaf plants. And being just 45 minutes from Washington, D.C., and home to Dulles Airport, one of the country’s major international hubs, there’s always an easy connection to India when we need it. While there’s still much work ahead for us to grow as a community and as a nation, Indians now make up 3 per cent of the U.S. population. As our numbers and influence continue to rise, we are undoubtedly leaving our mark on progress, shaping the future with each step forward.
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